For much of the 20th century, humans were fascinated with the prospect of artificial beings that could think and act on their own. Robots were featured prominently in many favorite television shows and films. They are helpful, often hysterical characters with personality, or soulless machines bent on destroying their creators. Either way, they’re pretty cool. Here are our picks for some of the most famous robots ever featured in fictional film and television.

Rosie from The Jetsons

Rosie from The Jetsons
This lovable cartoon robot had all the quirks of a middle-aged maid — which she basically was, in robot form. An older model that the Jetsons would never trade in for a new model, she dutifully served George, Jane, Judy and Elroy over the series’ entirety, but only appeared in two episodes in the first season in 1962. A strong disciplinarian with a sweetheart side, this robot is the rock of the animated human family.

The Robot from Lost in Space
The unnamed robot from the popular 60s sci-fi series is most famous for saying the show’s best known line: “Danger Will Robinson!” The Class M-3 Model B9, General Utility Non-Theorizing Environmental Control Robot had many human characteristics, such a laughing, making fun of humans, and playing the guitar. It was also the best friend of 9-year old robotics genius Will Robinson, for whom it would always keep a watchful eye.

T-800 Arnold Terminator

The T-800 from Terminator
This is the role that defined Arnold Schwarzenegger’s career. First a terrifying, seemingly unstoppable villain, then a kick-butt good guy, the Terminator wowed audiences with its special effects. And it spouted some of the most famous lines in film history: “I’ll be back” and “Hasta la vista, baby.”

This guest post was written by Kellen Graham, part-time robot enthusiast and full-time phlebotomist and whose writing has also appeared on onlineclasses.net.